Chhattisgarh Introduces New Bill to Regulate Religious Conversions

The Chhattisgarh government has proposed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, aiming to curb religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or misrepresentation. Introduced by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, the Bill prescribes harsh penalties, including a potential life sentence for mass conversions involving two or more individuals.

The legislation includes imprisonment for up to 20 years when minors, women, or marginalized groups are victims. Importantly, reconversions to one's ancestral religion will not be deemed conversions under this law. Public notifications of intended conversions will be mandatory, marking a shift from the state's inherited 1968 law.

To safeguard against fraudulent conversions, the Bill outlines strict regulations, requiring pre-conversion declarations and notification of authorities. Offenders face imprisonment and heavy fines, while conversions solely for marriage are invalid unless legal procedures are met. Investigations will be led by qualified officers, with the expectation that related legal proceedings conclude promptly.